Proposal for new Wawa in Media runs into zoning issue

MEDIA -- If the Wawa at the eastern end of the borough moves forward, a zoning issue must be resolved.

The planning commission has, however, recommended opposing the straightforward approach of rezoning about a third of an acre that has been used as a parking lot for the last 50 years.

Media Real Estate (doing business as Commonwealth Real Estate) asked planners to consider an ordinance which would rezone a State Street property from R3-residential to a HBO-Highway, Business, Office district. The lot is bounded by the BP gas station, residences and Baker Street. Directly across State Street is the Raven Motel.

It had been zoned B2-business until a 1989 rezoning initiative by the borough changed it to R3-residential. It was a configuration that could be found elsewhere in the borough, according to Timothy Sullivan, attorney for the applicant.

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"Why the lot that was B2 became R3 is a mystery," said Sullivan. "This is a finger of R3 surrounded by HBO. Does anyone think it is appropriate for housing?"

Planners and the applicant acknowledged the rezoning matter included "the elephant in the room," connected to the overriding issue of the Wawa proposal for a convenience store and fueling station.

That plan would call for use of all parcels owned by Media Real Estate -- this lot, the adjacent BP station and the now-vacant Media Inn property fronting Baltimore Avenue.

If approved, the Wawa development would require a reverse subdivision. However, that process would be predicated on the as-of-yet decision by borough council to abandon a portion of Baker Street that bisects the two major lots.

Planning Chairman Kevin Matson said there were other options that could accomplish the Wawa application, among which is a zoning hearing board case. Board member Tina Mason said she agreed the subject property was likely more suited to business, but did not think this ordinance was the right path to that end.

The board will recommend that council oppose the request. Voting with the majority were Jack Doyle, Mason, Michael Kinsley and Emily Miller; Matson and Vince Pennoni were in support.

The Wawa application is currently scheduled to be on the planning commission's Jan. 8, 2013, agenda.